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pearl harbor
Japan bombed the United States naval base in Hawaii, forcing the United States into the Second World War. 353 Japanese aircraft dropped bombs and torpedoes, causing immense damage to the aircraft on the island and ships in the water. 20 American ships were crippled, and 402 aircraft were destroyed. -
Bataan Death March
The Bataan Death March was a product of the three-month battle in Bataan. Upwards to seventy-five thousand prisoners of war, primarily American and Filipino, were forced to march from Bataan to Camp O’Donnell. The prisoners of war were beaten; subsequently, ten thousand died from starvation or the beatings. -
Doolittle's Raid
In response to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States sent 16 B-25 bombers to Tokyo. The 16 bombers were launched from an aircraft carrier and attacked Tokyo. The bombing runs were moderately successful but had no lasting impact on the war. -
battle of midway
The battle of Midway was a turning point in the Pacific. The United States captured Midway Island, allowing them to reach Japan with bombers. The battle of Midway also severely damaged the Japanese navy as they lost four aircraft carriers and one cruiser. -
Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal was a morale boost to the American soldiers and halted the Japanese. Guadalcanal was the first time the Americans forced the Japanese to be defensive, allowing the Americans to have the advantage. -
Battle of Leyte
The Battle of Leyte was the largest naval battle in the Pacific; 200,000 soldiers were involved in the battle. The Japanese naval force was crippled after the battle of the Philippine Sea, allowing the American navy to have superiority in the air and on the water. The Battle of Leyte severed the Japanese supply lines to southeast Asia. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima was the bloodiest battle of the Pacific. 22000 died during the invasion. Iwo Jima was a critical airbase to the Japanese, stunting the push eastwards. -
Battle of Okinawa
Okinawa was a critical island to the success of Japan during World War II. Okinawa was a supply port to mainland Japan; with Okinawa, Japan could import commodities into mainland Japan. The United States' taking of Okinawa prevented the import of commodities into Japan, preventing any further advancements by the Japanese. -
Hiroshima & Nagasaki
The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was the first use of atomic weapons in war. The bombings caused 40000 deaths and led to many more from the radiation. The bombings caused the Japanese to surrender. -
Surrender of Japan
After the dropping of the two atomic bombs over Japan, the Japanese quickly surrendered. The surrender of Japan marked the end of the second world war.